North Dakota Group Ride Planning
A North Dakota group ride can go sideways before the first mile if someone assumes every trail is open, every machine fits through a gate, or the whole group can keep the same pace. This guide helps you choose a suitable riding area, plan a route and regroup points, prepare riders and machines, and handle weather, closures, and breakdowns without turning a fun day into a scramble.
Choose a riding area that fits your group
Match the location to the riders and machines
Start with the group, not the map. Think about the least experienced rider, the smallest machine, any youth riders, and the widest side-by-side. A route that feels easy to an experienced ATV rider may be tiring for a new rider, while a narrow trail can be a problem for a wider UTV even when the terrain itself is manageable.
North Dakota offers very different riding experiences. Pembina Gorge near Walhalla, Turtle Mountain near Bottineau, the Roughrider OHV Trail along the Missouri River corridor, and Kimball Bottoms south of Mandan are not interchangeable destinations. Check the area’s route information and current access details before choosing. For an overview of options, see [North Dakota OHV Trails: All Four Riding Areas].
Confirm that the riding area is open to your vehicle type and that your machines meet any width or other access restrictions. At Pembina Gorge, for example, the [The 60-Inch Gate at Pembina Gorge] is an important consideration for wider machines. Don’t rely on a vehicle’s advertised width alone: accessories, mirrors, tires, and other modifications can affect the machine’s actual fit.
If your group includes beginners, a family crew, or people who haven’t ridden together before, prioritize a simple route with clear turnaround options over ambitious mileage. [Best North Dakota OHV Trails for Beginners] can help you compare destinations with newer riders in mind.
Check access, closures, and local rules
A trail shown on a map is not automatically open for your planned ride. Weather, maintenance, flooding, land-management decisions, or seasonal conditions may affect access. Before setting out, check the relevant park or land manager’s current trail information and look for signs at the trailhead. If a route is closed or conditions are questionable, choose another option rather than trying to find an unofficial way around it.
This matters especially after rain. North Dakota’s clay and gumbo soils can become slick and easily damaged when wet. A route that was comfortable the previous weekend may be a poor choice after a storm. Review [North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain] and [Tread Lightly on Wet Clay] when deciding whether to ride or postpone.
Also confirm how the group will get to the area and where everyone can park and unload. A long trailer, several trucks, or a large meetup can make a small trailhead feel crowded. [North Dakota Trailhead Parking Limits] is useful reading if you’re bringing multiple trailers or coordinating a large group.
| Planning question | What to check before inviting riders |
|---|---|
| Does the route suit the least experienced rider? | Terrain, expected pace, distance, and places to turn around |
| Can every machine use the route? | Width limits, vehicle types allowed, and marked restrictions |
| Is the area open? | Current closures, weather impacts, and posted trailhead notices |
| Can everyone stage safely? | Parking space, trailer access, unloading room, and meeting point |
| What rules apply? | Registration or permit needs, land access, and local requirements |
Build a route the group can actually follow
Set a realistic pace and route length
Choose a route that leaves room for breaks, navigation checks, and small delays. Groups tend to move more slowly than solo riders: someone may need to adjust a helmet, another rider may want a quick machine check, and intersections can take time when the last person is still catching up. If you plan a route based on the fastest rider’s solo pace, the group may feel pressured from the start.
Decide in advance whether the ride is an out-and-back, a loop, or a point-to-point trip. An out-and-back can be easier to shorten if riders are tired or the weather changes. A loop can keep the day interesting but needs more careful navigation and a clear plan for missed turns. If you’re considering a long route, use [North Dakota Group Ride Planning] as a reminder to build the ride around shared expectations—not just mileage.
For multi-use areas, make room for other visitors and follow posted direction signs. Routes may be shared with hikers, cyclists, horses, or other riders depending on the location. Slow down near people and blind corners, and avoid crowding other users when stopping. If your crew is visiting Turtle Mountain, review [Turtle Mountain Shared With Horses] before heading out.
Mark meeting points and regroup stops
A good group route has obvious places to regroup: trailhead entrances, signed intersections, parking areas, or other recognizable landmarks. Tell everyone what to do if the group gets separated. A simple rule works well: stop at the next planned regroup point, stay on the marked route, and don’t take an unplanned shortcut to catch up.
Share the route before the ride, not just verbally at the trailhead. A map app such as onX Offroad can help riders view the intended area and discuss route choices ahead of time. Check that the mapping details are appropriate for the location, and don’t treat a digital route line as permission to ride anywhere. OnX Offroad is one planning aid; posted signs and land-manager information still matter.
Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas, so don’t assume everyone can call or message if separated. If riders use onX Offroad or another mapping tool, ask them to prepare any needed map access before leaving service. Carry a paper map or written directions as a backup, especially when the group is unfamiliar with the area. [North Dakota Trail Maps on the OuterSpatial App] offers another map-related topic to review when planning where to ride.
Prepare riders, machines, and group roles
Set expectations before the meetup
Send a short ride plan to everyone before the day. Include the meeting location, expected start time, riding area, approximate duration, machine requirements, and what riders should bring. Be clear about the pace and whether the ride is intended for beginners, experienced riders, or a mixed group. This gives people a chance to speak up if the route or equipment won’t work for them.
For a larger crew, assign simple roles. Choose a lead rider who knows the plan and a sweep rider who stays behind the group. The sweep should know the route, carry a phone or radio if available, and understand the regroup procedure. The lead shouldn’t keep increasing the distance from the group, and the sweep shouldn’t be expected to handle every mechanical issue alone.
Agree on basic riding etiquette: leave space, signal stops, avoid passing within the group unless the route and conditions make it safe, and wait at turns for the person behind you. Keep the group small enough that riders can stay connected and hear instructions. If you’re organizing around ten people, review [North Dakota Riding With a Group of Ten] and consider splitting into smaller riding units if the route is narrow or crowded.
Check each machine and carry shared essentials
Before departure, ask riders to inspect fuel, tires, brakes, lights, controls, and any loose cargo. A quick check in the parking area is much easier than discovering a problem far from the trailhead. Make sure each machine is suited to the planned route and that riders know how to use its basic controls.
Plan for ordinary disruptions: a flat, a loose strap, a dead battery, or a rider who needs a longer break. A shared kit might include a first-aid kit, basic hand tools, tire-repair supplies appropriate to the machines, a tow strap, water, and a way to contact help. Decide who carries what before departure so that essential supplies don’t all end up in one vehicle.
Weather preparation matters on the prairie. Wind, dust, sudden temperature changes, and blowing snow can make a ride uncomfortable or reduce visibility. Riders should bring layers, eye protection, water, and clothing suited to the forecast. For remote routes, read [Carrying a Paper Map Into the Badlands] and [First Aid on a Remote Loop] when preparing the group’s backup plan.
Run the ride safely and adapt as conditions change
Use a simple ride-day routine
At the trailhead, take a few minutes to confirm the route, regroup points, and turnaround plan. Make sure everyone knows who is leading and sweeping, what to do if separated, and how to signal a stop. Check that riders have their phones, water, necessary permits or registration documents, and any safety equipment required for their situation.
Once moving, keep the pace comfortable for the least experienced rider. Stop at planned points to count the group and check how people are doing. A short pause can catch fatigue or a small machine issue early, before it becomes a bigger problem. If someone is uncomfortable, don’t pressure them to continue just to preserve the schedule. Adjust the route, take a break, or head back together.
Follow posted closures and access restrictions even if a route appears passable. Avoid making new tracks to get around mud, a gate, or a blocked section. If conditions change, use the preplanned turnaround option. A mapping app such as onX Offroad can help the group orient itself, but it should support—not replace—good judgment, local signs, and the agreed route.
Have a clear plan for separation or trouble
If riders become separated, the group should follow its agreed procedure instead of scattering to search. The lead and sweep can check the last planned regroup location, while the separated rider stays on the intended route or moves to the agreed safe point if it’s safe to do so. Make sure everyone understands the plan before leaving the parking area; a vague “we’ll find each other” is not enough in a large or unfamiliar riding area.
If a machine breaks down, move it and the people with it out of active traffic or the main trail where possible. Keep the rest of the group in a safe location and avoid sending multiple riders off in different directions. Use the phone or radio coverage available, and be prepared to shorten the ride if the problem cannot be resolved quickly.
Finally, leave the area as you found it. Pack out trash, avoid damaging wet or fragile ground, respect other trail users, and follow all posted instructions. A well-planned group ride isn’t the one that sticks rigidly to every mile on the map. It’s the one where everyone knows the plan, has room to speak up, and gets back safely.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
